If you're a member of the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), you already know it's one of the most trusted organizations in the tile industry. But knowing you’re a member and actually using everything available to you are two very different things. The truth is, a lot of tile professionals join with the best intentions but never fully explore the benefits included with their membership.

That’s what this article is here to help with. Your NTCA membership is more than just a badge on your website or a logo on your truck. It’s a toolbox. Inside are resources that can help you grow your business, improve your installs, train your team, and stay connected to an industry that’s constantly evolving. Whether you just joined or you’ve been a member for years, now’s the perfect time to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.

One of the biggest assets available through NTCA is access to education. The NTCA University offers self-paced courses that you can take anytime, from anywhere. These aren’t generic fluff videos. They’re detailed, relevant, and made specifically for people working in the tile trade. You can learn proper substrate prep, review layout strategies, study up on grouting methods, and even brush up on changes to ANSI standards. It’s the kind of education that directly applies to what you do on the jobsite every day.

But it’s not just online. NTCA also offers hands-on regional training events. These sessions are led by some of the best in the business and happen all over the country throughout the year. They give you a chance to work with new materials, ask questions in real time, and compare techniques with other professionals.

Training is not just for new hires either. Whether you’re leading a crew or working solo, these learning opportunities are a chance to stay sharp and gain confidence. There’s always something new coming out in the tile world. New tools, new products, new methods. Keeping up is part of staying competitive, and NTCA makes that easier.

Another underused benefit of membership is access to technical support. Everyone runs into challenges on the job. Maybe the substrate is uneven. Maybe a new waterproofing product isn’t bonding the way it should. Maybe you're unsure how a particular tile will hold up in an exterior setting. When questions come up, NTCA has a team of technical experts who are there to help. You can call or email them directly, and they’ll give you guidance based on industry standards.

This kind of support can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to keep a job moving and need answers fast. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that you’ve got experienced voices in your corner when decisions get complicated. It’s like having a second opinion from someone who’s been through it before and knows the standards.

Beyond training and support, NTCA also helps members save money. There are exclusive discounts available through partner programs that can cut costs on tools, materials, business insurance, and even vehicle rentals. If you’re not checking out the NTCA Partner Benefits section, you might be leaving money on the table. Every dollar counts, especially for small business owners, and these discounts can add up over time.

NTCA members get access to official NTCA logos that help establish credibility with customers. When a homeowner sees that you’re part of a national organization dedicated to tile excellence, it helps build trust. You can use the NTCA logo on your website, social media, proposals, and even your vehicle wraps. It’s a simple way to stand out from the competition and show that you’re committed to professional standards.

And let’s not forget about the networking opportunities. Being an NTCA member means you’re part of a large community of tile professionals. Through trade shows, training events, peer groups, and forums, you have the chance to meet others who understand your business, your challenges, and your goals. Sometimes just talking to another installer about how they handle estimates or manage difficult clients can give you ideas that improve your own business.

These connections often lead to referrals, partnerships, and even friendships. It’s one thing to follow someone on social media. It’s another to meet them in person at an event and trade stories about that time the shower pan failed or the layout didn’t line up with the plumbing. Real conversations with real people can be just as valuable as any training course.

All of this is included in your membership. It’s not extra. It’s not hidden behind another paywall. You just have to log in, look around, and start taking advantage of it. The NTCA website is full of tools, forms, guides, and resources designed to help you run a stronger tile business. If you’ve been a member for a while and haven’t explored what’s available, now is a good time to start. And if you’re new, it’s even better. You can set the tone from the beginning by building these tools into your routine. Make it a habit to check in once a month and see what’s new. Sign up for an event. Start a course. Call the technical team with that question you’ve been putting off. These small actions add up.

The tile industry is competitive. Margins are tight, timelines are short, and clients expect excellence. NTCA can’t make every job easier, but it can give you an edge. It can help you avoid costly mistakes, sharpen your skills, and keep your business moving forward. That’s what your membership is really about. It’s not just who you’re associated with. It’s what you have access to.

So if you’re reading this and realizing there are a few resources you haven’t used yet, you’re not alone. Most members have only scratched the surface. But you don’t have to keep it that way. Start exploring. Reach out. Log in. Take a course. Make that call. Your membership is packed with value. You just have to unlock it.

And if you ever feel overwhelmed by all the options, start small. Pick one thing. Maybe that’s signing up for the next regional training. Or adding the NTCA logo to your proposals. Whatever it is, take the first step. The rest gets easier.

You joined NTCA for a reason. Now is the time to make sure you’re getting the full benefit. Because being a member isn’t just about where you belong. It’s about what you build with it.